Thursday 24 April 2014

The Third Week

Day 19 - Friday 18.4.14          Good Friday!

Another good nights sleep, but not feeling A1 yet. It is cold and cloudy today and only 9 deg. I stayed in and wrote my blog, also caught up with some emails and Facebook. I drooled over some delicious sweets, but I am being very good and sticking to my boring, bland diet - Doc's orders! I have some new recipes to try when I am better - Lemon cake, Ice-cream and a Black Forest dessert. We had a visit in the garden from a Hoopoe bird, it is beautiful. I have never seen one before.


                                                                                                                                             


Day 20 - Saturday 19.4.14

I woke feeling human today, definitely on the mend.  It is cold, cloudy and miserable which is such a shame as it is a big day in Corfu town. I would have loved to be there, but I am not well enough - maybe next year. I will just have to be content to watch it on TV there are lots of marching bands and 'pot' throwing, thousands of people have braved the cold and rain. The explanation is:-
On Easter Saturday. At 6.00 a.m. at the church of the Virgin Mary of Ksénon (of the strangers) the custom of the artificial earthquake re-enacts the earthquake that followed Christ’s Resurrection. At 11.00 a.m., the first Resurrection is announced. People say the phrase “Christós Anésti” (Christ is risen) to one another. The response is “Alithós Anésti” (he has truly risen). Be prepared to experience a truly unique celebration: “Christós Anésti” is proclaimed against a background of loudly pealing bells and the joyful sounds of the bands as they parade through the streets. People hurl clay pots from windows and balconies which crash noisily on the streets below.
Here are some photo's - not mine - but it is what I am watching on TV.





       





 Vasso is here again cleaning, so we are sat inside Mercy out of the rain while she cleans, it is such a change from last week when we were sat in the sunshine.
We did a little local shopping, some Village wine - for when I am better, also a plant to take to our Easter Lunch. The guy in the shop said the plant's name means 'love', I told him it is Bizzie Lizzie in England, he said 'Greek is much better'




Phil took a photo of some sheep on our way back - he said there is tomorrow's lunch in that field!








We had a long walk along the beach - Phil and Poppy managed to loose the ball - it was being taken out to sea - here they are looking for it.
We lost sight of it and walked further up towards the North end, a little girl came running up, she had found it, she promptly took the thrower and started playing with Poppy. We had a long chat with her parents they are from South Africa and are driving round the Island.



Tonight I had my first glass of wine for over a week and a proper meal, cheese omelet and a jacket potato. It tasted so good.
At midnight the Greeks go to church and then to mark the end of Lent they have lots of Firework displays. Poppy does not like the bangs and refused to go out to do her last wee.

Day -  21 20.4.14       Easter Day     (89 days without a cig for me)





The favourite Greek saying this morning is ' Christ is risen - enjoy the lamb!'
 Sophia cooked eggs, they are boiled in a red dye to signify Christ's blood.







Phil went over to the Marvel at 9am to watch the Chinese grand prix but unfortunately they could not get a signal so he had to miss it 'live'. He was praying no one would tell him the result before he saw the highlights.




We were very lucky to be invited to have lunch with the Makris family at the hotel - when we arrived Spiros was cooking the lamb and it smelt wonderful!







The meal was delicious, I managed to eat a small portion of lamb, against the docs orders. We were made to feel very welcome and we feel privileged to have been asked to join the family.
The afternoon turned out to be beautiful so Poppy and I walked to the beach while Phil watched the Grand prix as they had managed to get a signal.
This evening I had my first glass of wine out of our 10 litre box. It has been tormenting me all week every time I went in the fridge - it is delicious.


Day -  22 21.4.14         Easter Monday!
Looking down to Arillas from Akrotiri




What a glorious day it is here, we drove up to Akrotiri for morning coffee with Sara Davis and her hubby Gary. She was telling us that someone has dumped two very young kittens next to a bin near where they live, so she is caring for them.








Front garden




On our way back we called at Arillas beach for Poppy to have a run and play. We bumped into a lovely couple who we met on the Bari ferry, Loretta and Terry, and had lunch with them, they have rented a house near Gouvia. They came back to look at our apartment and we have arranged to meet up again, after we told them about Brouklis spit roast lamb, Terry's favourite. I have just been laid in our garden soaking up some rays - life is good.
The flowers in our front garden are all starting to bloom and smell wonderful.




Day 23 - 22.4.14

When I got up this morning it was sunny but cool, then the sun disappeared behind a thick blanket of cloud and never re-appeared all day.
We walked up to the Bakery their bread is gorgeous as are the fresh baked biscuits. Any weight I lost last week will soon come back if I keep going there!
After lunch we went down to the beach, where we met Doug playing with his dog. Each dog had the same ball and kept getting them mixed up. Quick coffee at the Beach point and a catch up with the locals then back to cook our dinner. Cottage Pie all home made - I tried a drop of the local Rose wine we bought, but didn't like it - it makes nice gravy though.
This evening I had a call from our friends Christine and Steve, they were at Portofino saying hello to Spiros so we walked down to have a drink with them. Spiros had cooked some Octopus - Phil tried it - I didn't! We had a lovely evening having a good catch up - bonus was we got a lift home.

Day 24 -  23.4.14              St Georges Day

Today is cloudy but a warm 22deg.


Abelospito

We were invited to a BBQ at Bob and Nicola's house this afternoon in Armenades. Bob is the author, Robert White, I loved reading his books - The Fix and Dirty. Their house is lovely, set in a valley and surrounded by so many green hills and beautiful scenery.  To the North on the horizon can be seen the mountains of Albania, Nicola told me that you can see the snow on them in the winter. The village of Armenades is down the hill a little way with just one shop, which is also the local pub, also a bakery which supplies most of the shops in the area. No one speaks English, which is exactly what Bob and Nicola wanted.



View to the West from Verandah





Their house is called 'Abelospito' which means house with the vines.This is the view from their Verandah. apparently in the summer the vine provides some much welcome shade. While we were sat there the sun came out and it turned into a beautiful, memorable afternoon. They also have Swallows nesting in the eaves. Poppy had a great time too and loved the freedom.
They do have a problem with damp inside the house and are contemplating having it knocked down and re-built, more or less the same as it is now. We do envy them and wish we had bought here instead of Spain - hindsight is wonderful.



Presenting the trophies with Neil, to Pete and Andy!



This evening we went to the Three Ws in San Stefanos to show our support for Neil at his darts presentation evening. He even asked me to present the prizes to the winners. Margarita and Crisanthos put on a superb hot buffet, another pleasant evening!






Day 25 - 24.4.14

When I woke this morning it was pouring with rain - even Poppy didn't want to go out in it!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152095714191868&set=vb.523571867&type=2&theater#

Wet wet wet!
So we stayed in all day as it was cold, drizzly and miserable. Lets hope it cheers up tomorrow!

Friday 18 April 2014

The Second Week

Day 12 - Friday 11.4.14

Today the weather was sunny but cool. Poppy and I went walking further up the
hill we did a bit more exploring. It was the same as everywhere else, strimmers, pressure washers and paintbrushes going full pelt, everyone getting ready for the season.







We received delivery of our 10 litre box of wine today - just got to get it chilled.






This evening we went to Mon Amour with Phil n Jen and Neil and Wendy, the food was fantastic as usual. Phil had a T bone steak which covered his plate - he couldn't eat it all - so - lucky Poppy tomorrow! Perry and his family were there - it was a fantastic atmosphere with the children playing, but not being noisy. I love Mon Amour and especially as they collect you and drop you off after the meal, so I could have a drink. Then back to the Marvel for a nightcap

Day 13 - Saturday 12.4.14

Today we woke to a beautiful sunny day, a clear blue sky and a gentle breeze. One of the things we have discovered about Arillas on our first April visit is - it smells so different to other times of the year. When we arrive later in the year we miss the perfume of so many of the early flowers.

Lemon Tree
Kumkwat

Pink tree

Vasso, our landlady came to clean today. It was a lovely feeling sat in the garden relaxing with a coffee while she was busy.
We then took the van and went shopping, calling at the beach for Poppy to have a run and a swim.
We saw Yiota for the first time since we have been here, she is very busy cleaning her shop and organising her two new shops, one Silver shop in Arillas and a gift  shop in San Stefanos. Quite the entrepreneur our Yiota! we wish her all the luck in the world with her new ventures.
After such a hectic morning we passed the time of day with friends at the Beach Point cafe (cheapest drinks in Arillas). Then said hello to Spiros at the Marvel he has arrived back from Mathraki looking fit and well.
We glimpsed views of the beautiful sunset and flat calm sea as we drove Phil n Jen up to the Night Owl with us for Dinner. All four of us had  Chicken Souvlaki, it was delicious as usual as only Linda and Nikos can do,  Petros their young son made the delicious dessert.

New Jugs

Petros pudding













Day 14 - Sunday 13.4.14

Today is our gorgeous granddaughter Larissa's 25th birthday - sorry we are not there to have a family meal with her, but she is coming out to see us in June.
We drove up to Akrotiri for Phil n Jens last lunch before they return to the UK. I have never seen it so packed up there - parking was a bit of a challenge to say the least.

Akrotiri

 I am so pleased that the restaurant is doing well and has actually won quite a prestigious award this year - One of Corfu's top 10 Cultural Restaurants.  Well done Nikos - you have worked so hard for this.
http://theculturetrip.com/europe/greece/articles/corfu-s-10-best-cultural-restaurants-dining-on-the-greek-islands/

Looking out to Gravia

My lunch
T'other Phil, Jen, Phil and I
















When we returned to the apartment I was so cold and shivery - I went to bed to get warm,  I woke up @ 8pm and popped over to say goodbye to Phil n Jen, they leave at stupid o'clock tomorrow morning. Phil stayed for a drink with them but I went back to bed.

Day 15 - Monday 14.4.14

I spent the day in bed when I wasn't running to the loo. I felt so cold and had really bad stomach cramps. Looks like I may have picked up a bug. Phil took Poppy down to the beach and met Eileen and family at the Horizon - I was gutted I missed them.
We have had a slight challenge with Poppy's mixer I brought enough with us for the first week and bought a bag locally. When I opened it - things started to fly out - I don't know what they were, certainly not weevils, more like flying ants. So I sealed it up and put it out on the balcony - lesson to be learned - check dates - it was best before 06/2012. Luckily Sharon came to our rescue and gave us some mixer, also some dried doggy pasta. I have never heard of it before but as Poppy likes our leftover pasta we will give it a go. It looks delicious but not for human consumption.

Day 16 - Tuesday 15.4.14

I had a really uncomfortable night, running to the loo and  spasms that took my breath away, down my left side. Luckily the doctors is only about 500m away so I toddled off to see him. He is called Dr. Yannis Papadopoulos he speaks excellent English and is very thorough. He took some Immodiums from his cupboard and told me to take 2 immediately, he wrote a prescription for other meds, and told me to eat only dry bread and drink black tea and return to see him at 6pm tomorrow. Back to bed for me while Phil went off to find the Pharmacy in Avliotes. Our lovely friend Anne Byrne called in on her way to the shop to see if we needed anything - this is one of the reasons we love Arillas, people care about you, as much as family and friends back home do.
Meds seem to be working - not had a pain for a couple of hours, we decided to have a ride down to the beach for a spot of fresh air - fresh being the operative word - it was blowing a hooley. We met a couple who are friends of our friends Janis and Barry - they are on their honeymoon. Another lovely couple, we bought them a drink to congratulate them - then they sprinted up the hill to have their first meal in Arillas at Brouklis.
Early night for me, and am just hoping Phil is going to be OK as he is feeling a bit iffy.

Day 17 - 16.4.14

I had a fairly good nights sleep but woke at 6am with quite a lot of pain, so I had a hot drink, meds and back to bed.  Phil is still feeling a bit iffy but not in pain or running to the loo like I am. We had a really lazy day. I went back to the docs at 6pm as requested - but he was in the middle of an operation when I got there, he said he was sorry and could I go back tomorrow evening.
Phil was invited to play darts tonight next door at the Marvel. I felt a little better so I walked across with him. Kostas was amazed when I asked for black tea - thats a first - I don't think I have ever been in and not had a glass of his delicious wine. Phil enjoyed playing with his new darts - even though he lost!
 I had a discussion with a local friend, Neil, tonight and we came to the conclusion that the reason for my illness could be the water I am drinking. We brought a Brita water filter with us and have been using this for all our water. It seems that maybe unless the filtered water is boiled, it is not safe to drink as the filter removes chemicals but not bacteria! So only bottled water to drink in future - unless it has been boiled for my coffee.

Day 18 - 17.4.14

Maundy Thursday - The Queen is going to distribute the Maundy money in Blackburn today to 88 men and 88 women - one penny for each of her 88 years.
I had a good nights sleep and woke up hungry, really enjoyed some toast and black tea!
We had a drive into Sadari and were amazed to see some workmen out mending potholes! If it had not been pouring with rain we would have stopped to take a photo.
We went into the English shop and met Laura and her hubby Neil. What a lovely helpful couple they are and the shop is well stocked too - the prices were very reasonable and she even asked if there was anything we would like her to stock. The main thing we wanted was some Cheddar cheese, but she only has it in the summer, from mid May.
We went to the Cash and Carry and stocked up on bottled water - also they had some Cheddar.
It poured with rain most of the afternoon, but by 6pm, the sun was out. I walked down to the docs. I have to stay on very plain food, bread, cream crackers, boiled/jacket potatoes with a little butter, boiled rice, pasta without sauce. No fruit or vegetables and only weak black coffee, black tea and bottled water. No Easter eggs or Greek Lamb :-).
We took Poppy down to the beach for a run and swim.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152081850696868&l=3966054387169468666


Well that is the end of our second week - not how I envisioned it would be - but hey ho - a lesson has been well and truly learned. On the plus side I have done lots of reading.





Thursday 10 April 2014

The First Week

Day 6 - Saturday 5.4.14

Sunny but quite windy today. Our apartment is lovely, we have a large bedroom, shower room, and the sitting room is well equipped with 2 easy chairs and coffee table. A TV and dining table, ample kitchen units,  cooker, fridge/freezer and washing machine. Outside we have a big balcony complete with table and chairs, beyond that we have a parking space and a fenced garden.
Balcony


Garden again
Garden










We had a busy morning unpacking and did some washing, it is a luxury having a washing machine in our apartment. No Wi-fi connected yet - Avrio lol
.
Fancy a swim


There is a river at the bottom of the garden behind the fence which is fresh water running down from the hills and goes right down to the beach under the bridge on the seafront. This is where Poppy found that she can have a drink during our walk - also we can wash the salt off her after her swim.


We had a drink with Eggy in the Marvel - then he came and collected his Strimmer and darts paraphernalia we had brought over from the UK. Had dinner in the Marvel.









Day 7 - Sunday 6.4.14

Today is another milestone for me 75 days without a cigarette - well done me!
Dull, cloudy and raining this morning - we had our first visitor for coffee - bless him he brought me a couple of onions for our Pasta Bolognese tonight. Thunder and lightening this afternoon and the Wi-fi was connected so we stayed in and chilled out and caught up with the WWW and our emails.

Day 8 - Monday 7.4.14

Phil n Jen arrived at lunchtime, we sat in the lovely sunshine and had a couple of drinks with them - a nice relaxing afternoon. We met up for a meal at the Marvel and was joined by 'Eggy'. We did what we do best - put the world to rights and consumed copious amounts of alcohol.

 Day 9 - Tuesday 8.4.14
Greek wine

Exactly one year ago today Phil had his heart attacks - what a year we have had - but he has survived to tell the tale, and we are now living our dream.

We drove to Sidari to find an ATM as the one in Arillas is not up and running yet. We shopped for some essentials and have found a lovely wine we like at €4 for 1.5 litres.

Went for a long walk this afternoon and saw lots more friends - Poppy, Spiros & George at Bardis Sun, Ina and her children. Kostas & Hannah (with her lovely bump), Perry busy making the 'Nut' ready for the visitors. Saw Brenda walking her dog along the beach and we stopped for a chat but the dogs do not seem to like each other. Met Leon getting Ammos ready for the season. There is so much activity going on all you can hear are pressure washers and strimmers.


Day 10 - Wednesday 9.4.14

Present for baby Angelos
Phil and I visited Leon, Verena and took a present for baby Angelos @ their house (omg - what a magnificent view they have and I forgot to take a photo - must remember next time we go.

We had a walk along the beach with Poppy then came back for a lazy lunch and afternoon on the balcony.
What a magnificent opening night it was at Brouklis. Phil and I, t'other Phil n Jen - sat @ 'table 13' and enjoyed a wonderful meal, Cheese pies and Courgette balls, Bifteki and Chicken souvlaki then Jen and I finished off with some Orange cake - all washed down with copious amounts of Mythos (t'other Phil) and wine for the rest of us. I accidentally invented a new word - puddingasm - I don't think it needs an explanation if you have all seen the film. The place was very busy lots of locals turned up to wish Dimitris well for the new season. Another magical night in our favourite place on the planet.








Phil and I with t'other Phil being silly at Brouklis





Day 11 - Thursday 10.4.14

Last September I asked Kostas to look after a bag of 'stuff' for us, he gave it back to me today - it was like Xmas looking through it, as I could not remember what I had left. Lots of treasures.
Oh my it is so windy today, huge waves, even Poppy would not go in the water. Just a quick walk today as Phil had difficulty breathing, we escaped into Armourada for an Orange juice. It was a hive of activity in there watching the boys painting and cleaning.
This evening we drove to San Stefanos, Neil had invited us to The Three W's for a darts night, we enjoyed it, made a nice change. Then back to the Marvel for a nightcap with T'other Phil n Jen and Kostas.
Well that is the end of our first week, Arillas is very different out of season, all our local friends are very busy getting ready for the influx of 'bloody tourists', as we are here for 3 months they are classing us as locals!

Monday 7 April 2014

The Journey

We drove to Hull on 30.3.14 and boarded North Sea Ferry to Zeebrugge. Poppy was placed in an air conditioned kennel and settled in quite easily. She had company in the next kennel, a black and white Border collie type dog, very friendly. We visited the kennels during the evening and both dogs were pleased to see us.




Love you Dad

Poppy and her friend.

All settled for the night!



Day 1 - 31.3.14
We arrived in Belgium about 8am - let the adventure begin.  We thought we would be able to follow the road signs but we did a slight detour, so had to stop and put the sat nav on, she soon found us. We had a pleasant drive, almost blinked and missed our short drive through Holland. We stopped for lunch in Germany  @ Rasthof Peppenhoven, Rheinbach, Nordrhein-Westfalen - three countries in about 15 minutes! We settled down for the night @ Sindelfinger Wald near Stuttgart it was a lovely place to stop - lots of grass and picnic tables. Poppy had a good play.


Sindelfinger Wald near Stuttgart


Day 2 - 1.4.14 - April Fools Day
Today is Gary's 46th birthday, also Spider is 34 today. Our friend Amy had a baby girl at 6 minutes past midnight she is called Maddie. We drove on through Germany when we stopped for lunch at a restplace Poppy charmed a coach load of about 40 Chinese people. They all loved her - throwing sticks and having their photos taken with her - it was good fun. We tested our new toaster out in the Campervan - it works very well!
 The afternoon drive was a quick dash through Austria, the day before we left home, Phil read that you are supposed to have Winter tyres on until 15th April, but it was too late to do anything about it.  Therefore we made the decision not to stop - it was only 1 hour and 50 minutes - luckily we were OK - no €5000 fine and no confiscating of the vehicle. Phew - we will be fine on the way back - after 15th April so we will be able to stop off because diesel is cheap there.
We drove on through  the spectacular Brenner Pass (€8.50).  one apprehensive moment was when a car overtook me on a hill, I am sure he had forgotten he was towing a trailer, and almost clipped our front, I had to brake sharply - my heart was in my mouth and I forgot to 'wave' my horn at him!
We stopped for the night @ Autogrill Affi Autostrada del Brennero near Lake Garda - nice Pizza - 700 miles done - 500 to go.

Day 3 - 2.4.14
Fairly boring drive today, but the Autostrada is a very good road, therefore we easily did another 300 miles. We stopped  for the night @ Tortoreto near Pescara, Italy. We met a man who has a house in Perdita, he saw our wheel cover and came over and spoke to us as he knows Arillas well. He will be on the same ferry as us.  from Bari. 1000 miles done!

Day 4 - 3.4.14
We had an easy drive down to Bari - and drove past Cattolica near Rimini, where we spent our honeymoon, 33 years ago.  We had some lovely views of the Adriatic as we followed the coastline down the A14 to Termoli before we drove inland to Barletta and then more sea views to Bari. We paid the Toll -  €74 - Total  1200 miles. We boarded the Superfast 1 ferry, and we were able to camp on deck with a mains hook up and also keep Poppy with us in the Campervan.
Day 5 - 4.4.14
We arrived in Igoumenitsa @ 6am and had a short drive to the other end of the Port to catch the ferry for Corfu (€90 - return). Sailed @ 8.30 and arrived @ 11am. We stopped off and did some shopping on the way up to Arillas - arriving early afternoon and was greeted by Sophia with the key to our apartment. We unpacked and then had a drive down to the beach. The first person we saw was Anne Byrne, then Sharon and Gary, Poppy met Poppy. Had a quick coffee with Spiros at Portofino, then a drink with Kostas at the Marvel. We went to Armourada for dinner and had a wonderful Meze.
We have driven 1200 miles - spent €347.50 on Diesel and Tolls. +€850  on return Ferries. So assuming a similar total for diesel and tolls on the return - it has cost us €1545 or £1278.00.



Phil and Spiros
First Run on Arillas beach